Quality Improvement Specialist | Mid-Hudson

Research Foundation of The City University of New York•New York, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) is seeking a Quality Improvement (QI) Specialist to support the implementation of QUALITYstarsNY, New York State’s voluntary 5-Star early childhood quality rating and improvement system. This role involves providing ongoing technical assistance and resources to a caseload of participating early childhood programs to foster continuous quality improvement. The QI Specialist will partner with program leadership to utilize data for creating and implementing individualized Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs). The position requires regular visits to program sites within an assigned region, collaboration with regional teams and central office staff, and participation in virtual and on-site meetings. The role is supervised by the Director of Quality Improvement and the Regional Quality Improvement Coordinator.

Requirements

Master’s degree in early childhood education, early childhood administration and supervision, or child development.
At least 6 years of experience in similar work, including mentoring and/or early childhood teacher preparation.
Knowledgeable about NYS early learning documents, including the NYS Prekindergarten Learning Standards, NYS Early Learning Guidelines, and the Core Body of Knowledge: New York State’s Core Competencies for Early Educators.
Experience with the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) and designing technical assistance and mentoring based on data and assessment results.
Comprehensive understanding of a variety of early childhood settings, including center, family child care and school-based programs.
Demonstrated competencies in delivery of technical assistance, on-site consultation and mentoring.
A complete and current profile in The Aspire Registry, New York’s early childhood workforce registry.
Excellent and effective oral and written communication skills.
Strong organization and caseload management skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
Ability to listen and respond to others with insight, diplomacy, and respect.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
Proven accuracy entering information into databases and ability to track, analyze, and report on data.
Ability to travel regularly to various QUALITYstarsNY locations and other agencies/partners locally and across the state.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual, Spanish/English preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver on-site technical assistance and mentoring to program leaders (FCC Providers, Directors, Principals, Supervisors) aligned with QUALITYstarsNY program standards.
Provide ongoing support to program leaders throughout the participation process, including technical assistance and mentoring.
Maintain up-to-date Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) in partnership with participants, analyzing and monitoring progress towards quality improvement.
Provide orientation sessions, trainings, and develop ‘learning communities’ to support programs in meeting their goals.
Build collaborative relationships with community partners to connect participants with necessary resources and professional development opportunities.
Represent QUALITYstarsNY at local and regional events and conferences.
Maintain accurate records for allocating and tracking expenditures.
Develop efficient systems to carry out responsibilities using effective time management strategies.
Maintain an accurate and complete QIP for each participant that reflects goals, tasks, and appropriate expenditures.
Research local and state resources that support continuous quality improvement efforts.
Prepare timely updates about progress and challenges with participants for regularly scheduled supervision meetings.
Manage schedule of visits and other priorities.
Plan, prepare, and participate fully in regularly scheduled regional meetings.
Plan, prepare, and carry out recruitment efforts to build QUALITYstarsNY waitlist and expand services.
Participate in outreach efforts to increase awareness of QUALITYstarsNY.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.